Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
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English Language
5 Dec 2025
138
3 pages
These chapters from The Handmaid's Taleshow Offred's desperate attempt to escape Gilead with her family, whilst also... Show more
Luke and Offred's escape attempt shows how carefully people had to plan to flee Gilead. They told their daughter they were going on a picnic to avoid suspicion, used forged passports paid for with jewellery and stamps, and even gave their child sleeping pills to prevent accidental betrayal. The plan seemed solid - they'd pretend it was just a day trip and had matching documentation.
The Bible ceremony reveals Gilead's control over information. Only the Commander can read from the locked Bible because the authorities fear what Handmaids might do if they could read this "incendiary device" themselves. Reading is forbidden to maintain power and control.
During the ceremony, the Commander's behaviour is described as mild and detached, almost mechanical. He goes through the motions like he's taking inventory, showing how even those in power have become dehumanised by this system.
Remember The ceremony represents the core of Gilead's reproductive programme - it's both ritualistic and deeply dehumanising for everyone involved.
Offred uses psychological detachment during the ceremony to protect her sanity. She remembers Queen Victoria's advice to "close your eyes and think of England" - which is ironic since she's in America. This humour helps her cope with trauma, showing how people find ways to mentally survive horrific situations.
Moira's escape attempt involved faking illness to get medical attention, demonstrating the desperate lengths people go to for freedom. Her plan shows the resourcefulness needed to resist totalitarian control.
Offred's use of butter as moisturiser perfectly illustrates life in Gilead. Since hand lotion is considered vanity, she improvises to keep her skin soft. The Wives banned such products because they didn't want Handmaids looking attractive - showing how women are pitted against each other in this system.
The encounter between Nick and Offred creates a moment of genuine human connection in this oppressive world. Their physical attraction and the danger it represents highlights how even basic human emotions become acts of rebellion in Gilead.
Key insight Small acts of rebellion, whether using butter or sharing a moment with Nick, become powerful symbols of maintaining humanity under oppression.
Offred clings to hope about Luke's fate, imagining he successfully escaped and is working to rescue her. This shows how hope becomes essential for psychological survival, even when reality might be much darker. Her fantasies keep her going through impossible circumstances.
The fertility crisis in Gilead has terrifying statistics - only a one in four chance of healthy babies due to environmental contamination. The water and air are polluted with toxic chemicals and radiation that accumulate in fatty tissue, making successful pregnancies increasingly rare.
Aunt Lydia's propaganda blames women themselves for the population decline, calling them "lazy" and "sluts." This victim-blaming is classic totalitarian behaviour - rather than addressing real environmental causes, the regime scapegoats the very people it claims to protect.
The environmental disaster underlying Gilead's creation shows how ecological crisis can be exploited by authoritarian movements. Instead of addressing pollution and toxic contamination, the regime chose to enslave women and control reproduction through force.
Think about this The fertility crisis wasn't caused by women's behaviour but by environmental destruction - yet women bear all the consequences and blame.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore detailed chapter insights from 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' Part 1. Each chapter summary includes a brief overview, key quotes, and contextual analysis, highlighting themes of patriarchy, women's struggles, and societal norms in Afghanistan. Ideal for students seeking a deeper understanding of the narrative and its implications.
English LiteratureExplore a critical analysis of 'The Lammas Hireling' by Ian Duhig, focusing on themes of guilt, relationships, and the interplay of light and dark imagery. This summary delves into the narrator's complex emotions, foreshadowing of violence, and the magical qualities of the hireling, providing a comprehensive understanding of the poem's deeper meanings. Ideal for students studying literature and poetry analysis.
English LiteratureExplore key themes and character dynamics from Chapters 1-6 of 'The Handmaid's Tale'. This summary covers the aunts' control methods, the narrator's relationships, the Commander's wife's harsh demeanor, and societal reactions to pregnancy. Ideal for students seeking a deeper understanding of Margaret Atwood's dystopian narrative.
English LanguageExplore the themes of power and nature in the poems 'Ozymandias' by Percy Bysshe Shelley and 'The Prelude' by William Wordsworth. This analysis delves into the contrasting representations of human ambition and the sublime forces of nature, highlighting key literary devices, tone shifts, and the poets' reflections on their experiences. Ideal for students studying English literature and poetry analysis.
English LiteratureExplore the profound symbolism of Ignorance and Want in Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. This detailed annotation highlights key quotes and their implications regarding social injustice, loss of innocence, and the consequences of ignorance. Ideal for students studying Victorian literature and social themes.
English LiteratureExplore how J.B. Priestley portrays Sheila Birling as a symbol of women's empowerment and changing societal roles in 'An Inspector Calls'. This analysis delves into Sheila's character development, her defiance of traditional expectations, and her assertion of independence, highlighting key themes of feminism and social justice. Ideal for exam preparation and critical analysis.
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
These chapters from The Handmaid's Taleshow Offred's desperate attempt to escape Gilead with her family, whilst also revealing the brutal realities of her current life as a Handmaid. We see how the totalitarian regime controls every aspect of life,... Show more
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Luke and Offred's escape attempt shows how carefully people had to plan to flee Gilead. They told their daughter they were going on a picnic to avoid suspicion, used forged passports paid for with jewellery and stamps, and even gave their child sleeping pills to prevent accidental betrayal. The plan seemed solid - they'd pretend it was just a day trip and had matching documentation.
The Bible ceremony reveals Gilead's control over information. Only the Commander can read from the locked Bible because the authorities fear what Handmaids might do if they could read this "incendiary device" themselves. Reading is forbidden to maintain power and control.
During the ceremony, the Commander's behaviour is described as mild and detached, almost mechanical. He goes through the motions like he's taking inventory, showing how even those in power have become dehumanised by this system.
Remember: The ceremony represents the core of Gilead's reproductive programme - it's both ritualistic and deeply dehumanising for everyone involved.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Offred uses psychological detachment during the ceremony to protect her sanity. She remembers Queen Victoria's advice to "close your eyes and think of England" - which is ironic since she's in America. This humour helps her cope with trauma, showing how people find ways to mentally survive horrific situations.
Moira's escape attempt involved faking illness to get medical attention, demonstrating the desperate lengths people go to for freedom. Her plan shows the resourcefulness needed to resist totalitarian control.
Offred's use of butter as moisturiser perfectly illustrates life in Gilead. Since hand lotion is considered vanity, she improvises to keep her skin soft. The Wives banned such products because they didn't want Handmaids looking attractive - showing how women are pitted against each other in this system.
The encounter between Nick and Offred creates a moment of genuine human connection in this oppressive world. Their physical attraction and the danger it represents highlights how even basic human emotions become acts of rebellion in Gilead.
Key insight: Small acts of rebellion, whether using butter or sharing a moment with Nick, become powerful symbols of maintaining humanity under oppression.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Offred clings to hope about Luke's fate, imagining he successfully escaped and is working to rescue her. This shows how hope becomes essential for psychological survival, even when reality might be much darker. Her fantasies keep her going through impossible circumstances.
The fertility crisis in Gilead has terrifying statistics - only a one in four chance of healthy babies due to environmental contamination. The water and air are polluted with toxic chemicals and radiation that accumulate in fatty tissue, making successful pregnancies increasingly rare.
Aunt Lydia's propaganda blames women themselves for the population decline, calling them "lazy" and "sluts." This victim-blaming is classic totalitarian behaviour - rather than addressing real environmental causes, the regime scapegoats the very people it claims to protect.
The environmental disaster underlying Gilead's creation shows how ecological crisis can be exploited by authoritarian movements. Instead of addressing pollution and toxic contamination, the regime chose to enslave women and control reproduction through force.
Think about this: The fertility crisis wasn't caused by women's behaviour but by environmental destruction - yet women bear all the consequences and blame.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
4
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore detailed chapter insights from 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' Part 1. Each chapter summary includes a brief overview, key quotes, and contextual analysis, highlighting themes of patriarchy, women's struggles, and societal norms in Afghanistan. Ideal for students seeking a deeper understanding of the narrative and its implications.
English LiteratureExplore a critical analysis of 'The Lammas Hireling' by Ian Duhig, focusing on themes of guilt, relationships, and the interplay of light and dark imagery. This summary delves into the narrator's complex emotions, foreshadowing of violence, and the magical qualities of the hireling, providing a comprehensive understanding of the poem's deeper meanings. Ideal for students studying literature and poetry analysis.
English LiteratureExplore key themes and character dynamics from Chapters 1-6 of 'The Handmaid's Tale'. This summary covers the aunts' control methods, the narrator's relationships, the Commander's wife's harsh demeanor, and societal reactions to pregnancy. Ideal for students seeking a deeper understanding of Margaret Atwood's dystopian narrative.
English LanguageExplore the themes of power and nature in the poems 'Ozymandias' by Percy Bysshe Shelley and 'The Prelude' by William Wordsworth. This analysis delves into the contrasting representations of human ambition and the sublime forces of nature, highlighting key literary devices, tone shifts, and the poets' reflections on their experiences. Ideal for students studying English literature and poetry analysis.
English LiteratureExplore the profound symbolism of Ignorance and Want in Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. This detailed annotation highlights key quotes and their implications regarding social injustice, loss of innocence, and the consequences of ignorance. Ideal for students studying Victorian literature and social themes.
English LiteratureExplore how J.B. Priestley portrays Sheila Birling as a symbol of women's empowerment and changing societal roles in 'An Inspector Calls'. This analysis delves into Sheila's character development, her defiance of traditional expectations, and her assertion of independence, highlighting key themes of feminism and social justice. Ideal for exam preparation and critical analysis.
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology